President Marcos emphasized that Filipino inventors should not face an "uncertain future," promising further financial and technical support.

During the 2026 National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE) Awards at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, April 28, Marcos said he would not allow them to be neglected.

"As President, I do not accept that there should be an uncertain future for our inventors. They have world-changing ideas and we cannot watch them wither on the vine due to lack of institutional support," Marcos said in his speech.

This is why, he said, he instructed the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and other agencies to strengthen financial and technical support to investors.

"We remain committed to helping you navigate the path forward, linking you to financial and technical support through DOST-TAPI (DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute) program and services, including assistance for intellectual property protection," Marcos said.

The Chief Executive underscored that protecting intellectual property is "a very important part of the whole process of creativity."

"[T]he intellectual property must be protected to incentivize those of you with the talent and the persistence to continue in your work," Marcos said.

Marcos also committed to support the technology development including financing, commercialization, and international exposure, citing that international exposure has become relatively easy with the advent of the internet.

"Digitalization is going to open so many different markets, so many different opportunities. And we, in government, would like to be part of that opportunity that you will gain from using the internet to bring your products, to bring your inventions to a larger audience, a larger market," he said.

"Through these efforts, we aim to ensure that your innovations move forward to create a real and lasting impact," he added. "Please rest assure that your government will always stand with you, ready to support you on your journey."

Marcos said "it cannot be denied that creating is difficult," stressing that there are many challenges that must be overcome, such as a lack of funding and limited access to modern technology.

The President also recognized that the real challenge is how to bring the inventions to the market so that it can be immediately utilized by the majority.

He said that the inventions featured in NICE Awards are "extremely practical" and "can be taken to market rather quickly."

"[T]hese are precisely the kinds of innovations that we seek, ones that offer solutions to real-world challenges and improve the lives of our fellow Filipinos," Marcos said.

 For this year’s NICE competition, the President said 28 finalists advanced from 764 entries nationwide.

Winning inventions and innovations include a compact neutron radiation measuring device and an affordable herbal cream for treating viral skin conditions under the Tuklas Award for outstanding inventions; a multi-grain precision seeder with fertilizer applicator under the Banghay Award for industrial design; and an on-site African Swine Fever detection system under the Likha Award for creative research. 

Another winning innovation was an AI-powered optical chick counting device under the Sibol Award for outstanding student creative research.

The inventors and innovators behind the winning entries will also receive monetary prizes and accolades for their work.